New Critique of Confucius

Author: Ding Wangdao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: Recently, interest in Confucius has been growing both domestically and internationally, with increasing exploration and discussion. This is certainly a great thing. The reasons for this are as follows: First, studying Confucius helps understand Chinese history and culture. From the time Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty declared "Abolish the Hundred Schools of Thought and Exalt Confucianism" over 2,100 years ago until the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949 (with short exceptions), Confucian thought has been the mainstream of Chinese thought. Its influence extended to all levels and fields, permeating every aspect of life, from court politics to the daily lives of the people. It is clear that to understand China, one must first understand Confucius. Second, certain aspects of Confucian thought may be beneficial and useful to China and the world today. Although Confucius lived over 2,500 years ago, his teachings on morality, self-cultivation, the Doctrine of the Mean, and harmony can be said to hold eternal value. Currently, some scholars believe that Confucian thought is one of the key factors in the rapid development of certain countries and regions in East Asia, and also a potential solution to many of the problems troubling the world today.